Importance of in-situ conservation initiatives in conservation of native potato varieties in the Andes of Peru

Crop diversity is recognized as an important area of research, especially in centers of crop origins, such as the potato in the Andes, where the crop has the potential to overcome food crises around the globe. The problem this study researched was the effect of intra-household diversity of potatoes in relation to social elements of the in situ conservation strategies. The chosen model was a multinomial logistic regression model. The methodology selected for this study is a cross-sectional analysis using micro-studies. Two zones were chosen according to their market access. The two chosen areas are known for their high potato diversity. The results of the household survey indicated there is no evidence of biodiversity loss by integrating farmers into the market with similar average and median potato diversity in both research places. However, there is evidence of decreasing diversity on individual farms due to the incorporation of modern varieties, as well as the migration of young people out of the communities. Nevertheless, there are also cultural factors preventing the disappearance of diversity, such as household preference for mixed potato consumption. This study has found evidence of the importance of the role of associations related to native potato production and/or commercialization in the maintenance of diversity.